ANCHORAGE, AK -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/05/07 -- A $199,905 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development will serve economically and educationally disadvantaged adults who lack the technology skills needed to be successful in the workplace. The grant to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) under HUD's Public Housing Neighborhood Networks program will target tenants in Juneau's Cedar Park and Geneva Woods public housing developments, along with those in the Mountain View elderly/disabled complex.

Under a three-year contract with AHFC, Southeast Regional Resource Center will provide services for adult basic education and computer skills instruction, and after-school homework and literacy support for children, including literacy skill development, academic enrichment, and supervised computer labs using educational software and activities.

Adults will learn business software, including Internet and job-search resources, basic computer skills, GED preparation, life skills, and parenting education. Students will be encouraged to complete homework or prepare projects on the computers. Preschool children will have a "head start" on building technology-literacy skills using age-appropriate software.

"Computer literacy is key to employment opportunities," according to AHFC CEO/Executive Director Dan Fauske. "This training will benefit not only the families who participate, but the City of Juneau and the state as a whole."

AHFC is a self-supporting public corporation with offices in 16 communities statewide. It provides statewide financing for multi-family complexes, congregate facilities, and single-family homes, with special loans for first-time home buyers, low- and moderate-income borrowers, veterans, teachers, nurses, public safety officers, and those living in rural areas of the state. AHFC also provides energy and weatherization programs, low-income rental assistance in 17 communities, and special programs for the homeless. Since 1986, AHFC has contributed nearly $1.5 billion to Alaska's State budget revenues through cash transfers, capital projects and debt service payments.

For more information, contact:
Sherrie Simmonds
Corporate Communications Officer
907-330-8447
Email Contact